Summary - 1998 540i with a 402 LS2/T-56, did the swap in 14 weeks with 4 weeks of a break in the middle. Everything is done except for the AC (wiring is finished, but I need to make up the lines) and some tweaking. I have plans for forced induction after I drive it for awhile.
Here it is, enjoy
[UPDATES - Supercharger pictures are at post 70, dyno results at post 120]
I picked up a very clean 1998 BMW 540i:
Stock weight (with almost no gas in the tank):
Exhaust (98 Camaro Manifolds and custom center section with cats):
Modified GTO Oil Pan:
Finished Engine Bay:
Finished Car:
Finished Weight (this is with a full tanks, s there is about 15-16 gallons difference between the before and after pics, so the car lost a little weight ):
Last edited by rao; 05-24-2011 at 11:43 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Rob
Prior projects:
1998 540i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy Power
- pictures and details
1992 325i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
1995 M3 with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
Awesome!
I was wondering what you'd been up to.
Nice use of stock factory parts (ie, exhaust manifolds and factory airbox.) What are those manifolds from?
Great work! Looks like a very well-done swap.
1997 BMW 328is Alpine White // Dove Grey
ZF Swapped | 3.23 LSD | FK Coilovers | 17x8.5 Borbet Type C | 75mm Wheel Studs | 12mm Vorshlag Spacers | 5000k HIDs | Euro Taillights | Suede Headliner/Pillars
I really like the stock look of the car. It's a real sleeper.
2001 2.5 Z3
H&R/Bils Sport, ECIS Intake, E46 RSM's, WSM, Strong Strut CL
Sharked, RE Underpulleys
Nice work, let me know when you want to sell it
Nice to see it. What was the tightest spot?
Ha, i'd say the oil pan! BTW, what is that pan from?
Last edited by BRAAP; 08-29-2010 at 04:53 PM.
nice
Thanks
That was the plan, thanks.
If you are serious, PM or e-mail me - if I sell this one I can start on another project
Probably at the steering box. I went back and forth between the 6 cylinder and the 8 and decided that I liked the 8 setup better, it is certainly strong.
I am still working on some details, and I will plan on using it like the other ones, as a my daily driver. I will probably get it to the track a few times, especially after it has forced induction...
Thanks.
Rob
Prior projects:
1998 540i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy Power
- pictures and details
1992 325i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
1995 M3 with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
Oh, apparently I'm just blind.
Whats sorta Forced induction are you thinking about?
Last edited by hefftone; 08-29-2010 at 11:46 PM.
Nice! If I had extra money I would definitely make an e39 LS1. Such a great car.
That is one CLEAN setup. You definitely have
SKILLZ, man...No hack mechanic rig-a-ma-ro there. I tell you what, if my i6 ever grenades, I'm copying your work in a heartbeat.
excellent job. That engine looks like it belongs in there! great work.
would you say the E39 or E36 was a more difficult install?
Last edited by MarketMaster; 08-30-2010 at 10:46 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Thanks for the compliments
Odds are a rear mount turbo (that is what I planned on when I put it togetehr and I have a new Turbonetics TC76 turbo ready to go I might switch to a Magnacharger if I can find one for a reasonable price, but that is unlikely. I am not doing anything until I have everyting fully sorted out and I might just keep it as is, we'll see.
Hard to compare since I made all of the e39 parts myself and bought the mounts for the e36, but there is a lot more space in the e39.
Rob
Prior projects:
1998 540i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy Power
- pictures and details
1992 325i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
1995 M3 with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
This is awesome. Post a vid!
Wonder how it'd lineup with a stock m5.
'99 528i w/ headgasket leak for sale http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2047953-FS-99-528iA
I love it. Need more info. Are you using a piggyback ecu etc? This seems like my next project I'll be in Schaumburg this week I would love to come see this car.
Nicely done! Lets see the details!
Nice work!! must be a dream to drive
I really want to do somehting like this. how man swaps have you done before? and how difficult did you find this one?
did the e36 mounts fit perfectly? or did you have to modify it a bit.
how about electrical? everything still work? (traction control, climate control, power option,....)
and last question; what about the ECU? how did yu make that all work?
Very nice. Would love to hear more specifics as well.
Nicely done! Ever consider selling a bit of fabrication time locally? Beer cash etc. How did you handle emissions. I thought 95 n earlier was easy to pass, later not easy to get through. Any words of wisdom on the emission side.
I will have a video but not for quite a while.
I am using the stock GM ECU. PM me if you are going to be in the area.
I'm not sure what details you are looking for.
It is fun to drive; it will be more fun with an additional 200 hp, but that will take a while.
I have done several previous swaps. On this one I fabricated the parts myself (I did 75% of the welding). The e36 mounts would not even be close. This swap was not all that difficult, but like all of this stuff there are lots of problems to solve.
Again, I am not sure what specifics you guys are looking for.
Cash would work The car is fully OBD II compliant and should pass the OBD II test. In illinois pre-96 cars are not tested at all.
Last edited by rao; 08-30-2010 at 04:57 PM.
Rob
Prior projects:
1998 540i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy Power
- pictures and details
1992 325i with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
1995 M3 with 6.6 LS2/T56 Chevy power - pictures and details
sleeper
I hate you RAO! I wish mine was done. Looks great. Especially with factory airbox. Very stealth. Once I get mine done we will have to get together.
E53 LSX Swap Coming Soon!
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